Recently Bryan completed a custom mosaic table top for a client, using the table she provided along with slices of labrodorite rock slabs, crystal glazed ceramic tiles, and silver and gemstone earrings and pendant pieces. The first challenge is to create a visually interesting piece that integrates all the items and fits within its own kind beauty and style, while not having chosen all the pieces originally! The stone and jewelry pieces are shown on the top, but have not yet been placed where they'll ultimately go. The pieces of tile and stone have such complex and patterns and play with the available light to show incredible colors and depth. 

The plain functionality of the table itself serves to show them to good advantage. A fabric curtain could be used to hide the under-pinings, or it could be used for display or storage area. The pine table with exposed bolts and wheels is a sturdy, functional workbench that has a shelf below. It could have been glamorized with paint or stain, but that was not the clients aim, and the grain of the wood itself was allowed to show on the pine top with molding that was Bryan's first step. You need a good basis to apply items for a poured epoxy resin table, though this one is sturdier than most!

Rust-Oleum Varathane
Interior Water Based polyurethane finish is compatable with polymer clays. Originally it is intended as a finish for wood, and thats what Bryan has used it for here. He has given the entire surface of the table top a light coating of the Varathane to seal it and keep bubbles of air from occurring when the epoxy resin is poured. The brand used on this table is Famowood Glaze Coat. It is similar in use to Enviro-Tex Lite, a product we have used successfully on other table tops. This brand was supplied by the client, and worked well. Before it can be used however all items must be arranged and affixed to the surface of the wood. 

Fara Shimbo is a master crystalliere. Her incredible glazes on ceramic tile contain the crystals that she causes to grow there. She tracks her "recipes" in small tiles. Many of these samples, along with other tiles that were "seconds" from Fara's work, were collected by the client to be used for this table. 

Fara's incredible pieces are each a little wonder of color and form. Only a few inches square, these tester pieces were used in a border around the table. With the addition of larger pieces in the corners, there were JUST enough to go around. The image below is a close up of the tile in the middle of the image above. 

The labrodorite slabs are almost 3/8" thick, and present another design challenge because of the difference in depth from the jewelry and the tiles. Bryan's design uses the tiles as a border around the entire table, with broken tiles floating in a  pool of the epoxy resin. 

The labradorite slabs have the same kind or iridescent beauty as butterfly wings. These spiral out from the centrally placed bowl also created by Fara Shimbo. The jewelry pieces follow the spiral and out into the floating field. 

Bryan used Liquid Nails for Projects and Construction, but could have used PVA White Glue such as Eileens Tacky Glue, SoBo, or Elmer's Glue. The bond only needs to be strong enough to hold items in place until the epoxy resin is poured.  The liquid nails is applied with a putty knife to the bottom of the tiles. The jewelry pieces were glued in place with E6000 adhesive, as it was easier to apply to the delicate silver and stone items and dries clear. The Liquid Nails in this form is a color very close to the wood. 

Known for his use of polymer clay and beads when embellishing recycled musical instruments, Bryan has managed to find space for just a little of both in this table. Green seed beads fill a curve in each corner, and there are glass domes over polymer clay and Jones Tones Foil in each corner area.

The two part epoxy resin has to be used under controlled conditions. The temperature has to be at least 60-70 degrees F for best usage, and you need 3 days to let it cure to full strength and hardness. It is very clear and strong. It MUST be mixed exactly according to package directions. Also, do it in a sheltered area to avoid dust and airborne inclusions, and in a well ventilated area. We pour in the garage. Bryan wears his safety glasses--always take care when using chemicals and follow safety guidelines. 

There is a limited window of use with the two part epoxy products, and a large piece like this requires at least two workers to mix and pour the batches. It cannot be mixed up in too large a batch, and when poured needs to be guided into some areas and mopped up if it over fills any area. It is very important to use a level and shims to make the table as truly flat and level as it can be before you pour. It is a self leveling product, about the consistency of honey when freshly mixed.  Use of a heat gun gets rid of all the little bubbles that rise to the surface after pouring. Just keep going over each area with the heat, and eliminate the cloudiness caused by bubbles.